la barre



March 31, 1964 L. J. LA BARRE AUTOMATIC PROGRESSIVE MULTI-HOLE PUNCH '7Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Oct. 3, 1962 tm kuJ 23min UT 865 m win J $3 w S mwmm 9 m J m s. m A 2 3 M m f w m E NJ mm I0 w R w h ma w n. W h m March31, 1964 L. J. LA BARRE 3,127,099

AUTOMATIC PROGRESSIVE MULTI-HOLE PUNCH Filed Oct. 5, 1962 7 Sheets-Sheet3 J. LaBarre 9344 @JE.)

96 Attorneys March 31, 1964 1.. J. LA BARRE AUTOMATIC PROGRESSIVEMULTI-HOLE PUNCH 7 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed Oct. 3, 1962 3 mvsmon LawrenceJ. LaBarre BY 744 wwl Attorneys March 31, 1964 L. J. LA BARRE AUTOMATICPROGRESSIVE MULTI-HOLE PUNCH 7 Sheets-Sheet 6 Filed Oct. 3, 1962 m m Mus Lawrence J. LaBarre BY ZZZ Attorneys March 31, 1964 L. J. LA BARRE3,127,099

AUTOMATIC PROGRESSIVE MULTI-HOLE PUNCH Filed Oct. 3, 1962 7 Sheets-Sheet7 ig./2A Fig/2B Fig. /2c Fig. 120 Fig. IZE

INVENTOR. Lawrence J. LaBarre Attorneys United States Patent 3,127,099AUTOMATIC PROGRESSIVE MULTI- HOLE PUNCH Lawrence J. La Barre, 2481Richard Court, Mountain View, Calif. Filed Get. 3, 1962, Ser. No.228,935 20 Claims. ((31. 234-78) This invention relates to a multi-holepunch and more particularly to an automatic progressive multi-holepunch.

Multiple holes have been punched in panels or plates in a substantiallymanual process which has been termed in the trade as slipping the gag.As is well known to those skilled in the art, the gag is a piece ofsheet metal which is inserted into a press to cause a certain group ofpunches to go down and punch holes in the metal plate or panel. Uponlifting the punches, a stripper plate strips the plate from the punches.The gag is then shifted manually so that other punches are pushedthrough the metal on the next operation of the press. This processcontinues until the desired number of holes have been punched in theplate. This method of punching multiple holes in a plate has been foundto be time consuming and costly. In addition, it has been difficult toobtain an intricate pattern of holes. There is, therefore, a need for anew and improved multi-hole punch.

In general, it is an object of the present invention to provide anautomatic progressive multi-hole punch.

Another obg'ect of the invention is to provide a multihole punch of theabove character in which intricate patterns can be readily produced.

Another object of the invention is to provide a multihole punch of theabove character which makes it possible to greatly reduce the cost ofpunching multiple holes of intricate variable patterns into sheets.

Another object of the invention is to provide a multihole punch of theabove character which progresses automatically.

Another object of the invention is to provide a multihole punch of theabove character which can be utilized by relatively unskilled personnel.

Additional objects and features of the invention will appear from thefollowing description in which the preferred embodiment is set forth indetail in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

Referring to the drawings:

FIGURE 1 is a side elevational view of a press incorporating myautomatic progressive multi-hole punch.

FIGURE 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 2-2 of FIGURE 1.

FIGURE 3 is a view taken along the line 3-3 of FIG- URE 1 with certainparts broken away.

FiGURE 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 44 of FIGURE 3with certain parts broken away.

FIGURE 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line 55 or" FIGURE 3.

FIGURE 5A is a side elevational view of one of the punches.

FIGURE 6 is a view looking along the line 66 of FIGURE 2.

FIGURE 7 is an enlarged detail view of the portion of the apparatusenclosed by the line 7-7 in FIGURE 2.

FIGURE -8 is an enlarged detail view with certain parts broken away ofthe portion of the apparatus shown in FIGURE 7.

FIGURE 9 is a view looking along the line 9-9' of FIGURE 2.

FIGURE 10 is a view looking along the line Iii-10 of FIGURE 2 withcertain parts broken away.

FIGURE 11 is a circuit diagram of the electrical circuitry utilized inmy multi-hole punch.

FIGURES 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D and 12E are semi- 3,127,099 Patented Mar. 31,1964 schematic illustrations showing the manner in which multiple holesare progressively punched into a sheet of metal to provide a symmetricalpattern.

In general, my automatic progressive multi-hole punch consists of a dieshoe and a punch holder mounted on one side of the die shoe. A pluralityof punches are mounted in the punch holder. A template is normallyspaced from the punch holder on the side opposite the die shoe out ofengagement With the punches. Means is provided for carrying a sheet ofmaterial between the die shoe and the punch holder. Means is alsoprovided for advancing the template and the sheet in unison. Means isprovided that moves the template into engagement with the punches topush the punches through the sheet and into the die shoe after thetemplate and the sheet have been moved.

More in particular, as shown in the drawings, my automatic progressivemulti-hole punch 11 is mounted in a suitable large press as, forexample, a 60 ton Bliss press. The press consists of a base 13 and aframe 14 which is pivotally mounted on the base at 16. The frame 14 canbe adjusted about the pivot by movement of locking bolts 17 threadedinto the frame and riding in grooves 18 provided in the base 13 and heldin a predetermined position within the grooves 18. Normally, the frame14 is positioned so that the automatic progressive multi-hole punch 11lies in a horizontal plane.

The press also includes a drive mechanism which consists of a motor, afiwvheel and an electrically operated clutch mechanism which are mountedbehind protective covers '19 and 21. The clutch mechanism drives anadjustable crankshaft (not shown) which drives a verticallyreciprocating ram 23. As shown in the drawings, the press is providedwith a U-shaped feed mouth 24 in which there is mounted a bolster plate26. The bolster plate is secured to the press frame 14 by suitable meanssuch as bolts 27 mounted on opposite sides of the bolster plate andthreaded into the press frame. The bolster plate is provided withT-shaped slots 28 to facilitate removal of the bolster plate from thepress frame. The automatic progressive multi hole punch 11 is mountedupon this bolster plate.

' 26 by a suitable means such as :a dowel 32 on each side of the baseplate and a pair of hold-down screws 33 also provided on each side ofthe base plate. The dowels ensure exact alignment of the base plate,whereas the holddown screws secure the base plate to the bolster plate.In a similar manner, the rear section 31b of the base plate is securedto the bolster plate by dowels 34 and screws 36.

A die shoe 37 is disposed above the base plate and is detachably securedthereto by a dowel 38 disposed on each side of the die shoe and a pairof hold-down screws 39 also positioned on each side of the die shoe andextending into the base plate.

Means is provided for pivotally mounting the die shoe 37 on the baseplate 31 so that the die shoe and the apparatus hereinafter describedmounted on the die shoe can 'be swung outwardly and forwardly from thepress frame 14. This means consists of a flanged lower pivot block 41which is mounted in the base plate .31 and extends upwardly through thebase plate and an upper flanged pivot block 42 which is mounted in thedie shoe 37 and seats within the lower pivot block 41. The upper andlower pivot blocks are held together by suitable means such as a screw43. From this construction, it can be seen that the pivot blocks 41 and42 serve as a hinge pin for permitting travel of the die shoe 37 in ahorizontal plane.

A pair of leader pins 44 extend upwardly through the front portion ofthe die shoe 37. The heads 46 of the pins 44 extend into openings 46provided in the base plate 31. Reinforcing portions 48 are affixed tothe die shoe by suitable means such as welding as shown in the drawingsand provide additional support for the leader pins.

A punch holder 51 which is in the form of a relatively large casting isslidably mounted on the leader pins for vertical movement longitudinallyof the leader pins on one side of the die shoe 37. It is provided with alarge recess 52 which serves to lighten the punch holder. Means isprovided for reducing the friction between the leader pin and the punchholder 51 during vertical movement of the punch holder and consists oflongitudinal ball bearings 52 which engage the leader pins and sleeves53 provided in the punch holder. The leader pins are hardened to provideadditional wear resistance and also to provide additional strength. Thesleeves 53 are also hardened to reduce wear. The punch holder 51 issecured to each of the leader pins 44 by a pair of nuts 54 and 56 asshown particularly in FIGURE 4 which engage the threaded upper end 44aof the leader pin which has a reduced diameter. The nut 54 engages ametal washer 57. A ring 58 of suitable resilient material such as foamedneoprene with thin metal shims above and below is disposed between thewasher 57 and the upper ends of the punch holder 51.

Means is provided for yieldably urging the punch holder upwardly intoengagement with the resilient neoprene rings 53 and in a verticaldirection away from the die shoe and consists of a pair of springs 61which are mounted in sleeves 62 seated in wells 63 provided in the punchholder and wells 64 provided in the reinforcing members 48.

From the construction thus far described, it can be seen that the punchholder 51 is restrained in its vertical movement. The neoprene washersor rings 58 serve to reduce the shock when the punch holder strikes therings 58 and the bolt washers 57 after it is raised by the compressionsprings 61. The leader pins 44 are provided with relatively large heads46 so that the leader pins cannot be pulled up through the die shoe 37.

A plurality of punches 66 are mounted in the punch holder 51. As shownin the drawing, the punch holder carries four rows of punches in whichtwo rows are provided with 17 punches and the other two rows areprovided with 16 punches. The reason for the different number of punchesin the different rows is because the punches in adjacent rows arestaggered as shown particularly in FIGURE 3.

The punches 66 are guided in the punch holder 51 by upper and lowerbearing plates 67 and 68. These bearing plates are secured to the punchholder 51 by suitable means such as screws 69 and dowels 71. The punches66 also extend through a stripper plate 73 which is secured to the punchholder by large screws 74 (FIGURE 4) which extend downwardly through thepunch holder 51 and are threaded into the stripper plate 73. Means isprovided for yieldably urging the stripper plate 76 downwardly away fromthe punch holder 51 so that there is normally a space between thestripper plate 76 and the punch holder 51 and consists of springs 76which are mounted in wells 77 provided in the punch holder and wells 78provided in the stripper plate. The springs 76 are of adequate strengthso that their combined force will strip the sheet metal from thecombined punches simultaneously in case all of the punches should beused for perforating at the same time.

In addition to screws 74, there are provided four leader pins 81 whichare utilized for guiding the stripper block 73. The lower ends of theseleader pins are pressed into the stripper plate 73. These leader pinsare also hardened and extend upwardly into the punch holder 51 andengage longitudinal ball bearings 82 mounted in hardened sleeves 83provided in the punch holder 51. Covers 84 are provided over the tops ofthe leader pins 81 and serve to keep dust and dirt out of the leaderpins 81.

A stripper plate insert 86 is provided in the lower side of the stripperplate 73 and is secured thereto by suitable means such as screws 87 anddowels 88. The stripperplate-insert is provided with holes 89 which havea diameter greater than the punches which extend into the holes. Aninsert 91 is provided in the die shoe 37 and is secured thereto bysuitable means such as screws 92 and dowels 93. The die shoe insert 91is provided with a plurality of holes 94 which are in alignment with thepunches and which serve as female dies for the punches. The holes areformed so that they have a gradually increasing diameter so thatmaterial punched from sheets of metal will readily drop downwardlythrough the holes 94 and and through holes 95 in the die shoe 37 andthrough an opening 96 provided in the base plate 31.

An enlarged view of one of the punches 66 is shown in FIGURE 5A. Asshown therein, the punch 66 is provided with a head portion 660, ashoulder or flanged portion 66b, an upper shank portion 660, a portion66d of decreased diameter, a lower shank 66c and a punching stem 66f.The portion 66d is formed by cutting an annular groove 97 in the shankto provide upper and lower shoulders 98 and 99. In examining FIGURE 5,it can be seen that the flanged portion 66a rests above the upperbearing plate 67 and that the bearing plates 67 and 68 serve to guidethe upper shank portion 66c of each of the punches. The punch stem 66 isguided by the die shoe insert 86.

Means is provided to ensure that the punches 66 will be lowered when thepunch holder 51 is raised as hereinafter described and consists of apair of bars 101 and 102 which are mounted upon the stripper plate 73and extend between the four rows of punches so that each bar engages tworows of punches. The bars are seated within the annular recesses 97formed in the punches 66 and are adapted to engage the lower shoulders99 when the punch holder 51 is raised to pull all of the punches down sothat the punches will not obstruct movement of the template ashereinafter described. The bars 101 and 102 are held in place byL-shaped retaining members 103 and 104 which overlie the bars 101 and102 and are secured to the stripper plate 73 by suitable means such asscrews 106.

A sheet metal carriage 111 and a template carrier 112 are mounted uponthe rear section 31a of the base plate 31. Common drive means 113 isprovided for shifting the sheet metal carriage 111 and the templatecarrier 112' transversely of the base plate 31. It consists of acylindrical rod 114 which extends laterally of the base plate section31b and is secured to the base plate section by suitable means such ascap screws 116 extending upwardly through the base plate and threadedinto the rod 114. Spacers 117 are provided above the base plate forspacing the rod 114 a predetermined distance above the base platesection 31. A carriage block 113 is slidably mounted on the rod formovement lonigtudinally of the rod. It is provided with suitable meanssuch as longitudinal ball bearings 119 to facilitate this longitudinalmovement. A pair of rollers 120 mounted on stub shafts in the block 118travel on the base plate section 131a and serve as means for maintainingthe block 118 in a horizontal plane on the rod 114.

A pair of leader pins 121 extend upwardly through the block 118 and areprovided with heads 122 to prevent the leader pins from being pulledupwardly through the block. The template carrier 112 is mounted on theseleader pins and consists of a template block 123 which is mounted uponthe leader pins 121 for movement vertically of the template carrier 112.The leader pins are hardened as are the other leader pins andlongitudinal ball bearings 124 are provided which engage the leader pinsand sleeves 126 which are mounted in the template block. The templateblock 123 is retained on the leader pins by a pair of nuts 127 and 123which are threaded on the upper extremity of the leader pin and whichengage a washer 129 of suitable resilient material such as foamedneoprene.

A template plate 131 is mounted on the upper extremity of the templateblock 132 and is removably secured thereto by suitable means such as capscrews 1311 and dowels 135 as shown in FIGURE 3. The template plate, asshown particularly in FIGURE 5, extends forwardly in a cantileverfashion over the punches 66 carried by the punch block 51. A template133 is secured to the lower surface of the template plate 131 and isprovided with scalloped leading and trailing edges 134 so that thetemplate will not clear punches which are not to be depressed as thetemplate 133 progresses in its various positions over the punches ashereinafter described.

Means is provided for urging the template carrier upwardly so that thetemplate block 123 engages the resilient washer 129 and consists ofsprings 136 which engage the lower extremity of the sleeve 126 and whichis seated within wells 137 provided in the block 118. Sleeves 138 aremounted on the leader pins within the springs 136 and serve to properlyposition the springs 13 6.

The template plate 131 is situated so as to have pressure applied on itby an adapter plate 141 which is secured to the ram 23 of the press.Filler plates 142 and 143 are mounted on the bottom side of the adapterplate and are adapted to engage the punch holder 51 when the template133 is moved into engagement with the punches. These filler plates areprovided to positively push down the punch holder 51 against the forceof the springs 61, and become particularly desirable when only a fewpunches are being pushed downwardly by the template and, therefore,reduce the downward pressure which must be applied by the punches to thepunch holder 51.

Means is provided for moving the carriage block 113 longitudinally onthe rod 114 and consists of a rack 146 which is secured to the back sideof the carriage block 118 by suitable means such as cap screws 147 (seeFIG- URE The rack146 is parallel to the shaft 114 and is provided withupper and lower sets of teeth 14%:1 and 14%. The teeth 146a of the rack146 are adapted to be engaged by a toothed rack engaging member 148.This member 143 is secured to one end of a push rod 149 by suitablemeans such as cap screws 151. The other end of the push rod 149 issecured in one end of a crank member 152 by shear pins 153. The crankmember 152 is engaged by an eccentric portion 154a provided on a drivepinion 154. The drive pinion 154 is fixed to a shaft 155 which isrotatably mounted in bearings 156 mounted in a block 150 secured to thebase plate section 3112. The drive pinion 154 is driven by a drivecylinder rack 157. The rack is retained in engagement with the pinion154 by a guide roller 158 which is rotatably mounted upon a stud shaft159 mounted in the block 150 and which is provided with an annularrecess 161) which receives the rear side of the rack 157.

The drive cylinder rack 157 is connected by a cap screw 161 and twodowels 165 to a clevis 162. The clevis 162 is secured to the piston rod163 of a hydraulic or pneumatic actuator 164. Flow of fluid to thehydraulic actuator is controlled by a solenoid operated valve 166 whichincludes solenoids SOL1 and SOL-2.

A pair of limit switches LS-l and LS-2' are mounted on the base platesection 31b and are adapted to be engaged by arms 168 and 169 (seeFIGURE 6), respectively.

The solenoid operated valve 166 is connected to an air supply line 171.This line is connected to a lubricator 172. The lubricator is connectedto an accumulator or surge tank 173 by a line 174. The surge tank 173 isconnected to an air strainer 176 by piping 177. The

(i strainer 176 is connected to a supply pipe 178 through a shut-offvalve 179.

Means is provided for moving the toothed rack-engaging member 148 intoand out of engagement with the rack 146 and consists of a clevis 181which is pivotally connected to the end of the push rod 149 by a pin182. The clevis 181 is secured to a piston rod 183 which is part of ahydraulic actuator 184. The actuator 184 is controlled by a solenoidactuated valve 186 which contains solenoids SOL-3 and SOL4. The valve186 is connected to the piping 171 by a line 187.

A limit switch LS-3 is mounted on the base plate 138b and is adapted tobe operated by a member 188 which is mounted on the clevis 181.

A pair of additional limit switches LS-4 and LS-S are mounted on thebase plate section 31. The limit switch LS- is provided with anoperating lever 191 which is adapted to operate an operating arm 192.The lever 191 carries a roller 193 which is adapted to engage a camsurface 194 formed in a recess 196 (see FIGURE 10) in the rack 146, sothat when the roller 193 is in engage ment with the cam surface 194, thelimit switch LS-4 is closed.

The limit switch LS5 is mounted on one end of a block 197 which issecured to the base plate section 3112 by suitable means such as a dowel198 and a screw 199 provided on each side of the block. The limit switchLS5 is provided with an operating arm 201 which is adapted to be engagedby screw 292 threaded into one end of a lever 2113. A pivot plate 294 issecured to the lever 203 by suitable means such as a pair of dowels 206and a screw 207. The pivot plate is pivotally mounted upon a block 2613by a pivot pin 299. The block 268 is secured to the large block 197 bysuitable means such as cap screws 211.

A pair of inclined cam members 212 and 213 are secured on the end of thelever 2113 by suitable means such as dowels 214 and screws 216. The cammembers 212 and 213 are mounted on the lever 263 so that they can beextended or retracted to thereby provide a cam surface on the lever 293which is greater or less in length.

The plate 2% is formed so as to be adapted to engage the block 2113 andto thereby limit the extreme positions of travel of the lever 203. Thecam members 212 and 213 are adapted to engage a pair of vertical pins217 and 218 which are removably positioned in a plurality of holes 219equally spaced and extending longitudinally of the rack 14-6.

Means is provided for holding the sheet metal carriage 111 in a preciseposition when the toothed rackengaging member 14-3 is out of engagementwith the rack 146 and consists of a pair of arms 221 which are mountedin recesses 222 provided in the block 197 by means of pins 223. A roller224 is rotatably mounted on the end of each of the arms 221 upon pins226. Means is provided for yieldably urging the rollers 224 intoengagement with the rack 14d and consists of pointed bearing members 227having one end seated in a well 228 provided in the arm 221 andhavingthe other end extending upwardly into a spring 229 mounted in a bore 231provided in the block 197. The amount of force exerted by the springupon the arm 221 is determined by a screw 232 which is threaded into theblock 197.

As hereinbefore explained, the rack 14-6 is provided with two rows ofteeth 146a and 146b, respectively. As will be noted from FIGURES 7 and8, only one-half as many teeth are provided in row 1 16b as in row1416a. In other words, the teeth 1 161; are spaced twice as far apart asteeth 146a. As shown in FIGURE 8, the rollers 224 are positioned so thatwhen one roller is on top of one of the teeth 14612, the other roller isbetween two of the teeth 14612. With this arrangement, it can be seenthat when one of the rollers 224 moves on top of a tooth 146b, the otherroller is moving between two of the teeth so that at all times lateralmovement of the sheet metal carriage 111 is precisely controlled eventhough the toothed rack-engaging member 148 may be out of engagementwith the rack 146.

The sheet metal carriage 111 includes a plurality of sheet metal clamps236 which are mounted upon the carriage block 118. Each of these clampsconsists of a lower jaw 237 and an upper jaw 238. The lower jaw 237 ismounted in a U-shaped shoe member 239 which is mounted in a recess inthe carriage block 118. The U-shaped member 239 is secured to the block118 by a pair of cap screws 241 which extend vertically down through theside walls of the U-shaped member and into the block 118. The lower jaw237 is secured to a member 242 which is disposed within the U-shapedmember 239 by suitable means such as cap screws 243. The member 242 ismounted for rocking movement within the U-shaped shoe member 239 bymeans of a pin 244 which extends into slots 246 provided in the sidewalls of the U-shaped shoe member 239. The upper jaw 238 is pivotallymounted between forked portions 242a of the member 24-2 by means of apin 247.

Means is provided for rocking the upper jaw 238 towards and away fromthe lower jaw 237 and consists of a pneumatic actuator 250 which ismounted in a saddle 251 that is pivotally mounted on a bracket 252secured to the member 242 by suitable means such as cap screws 253. Theactuator is provided with a piston rod 254 which is pivotally connectedto the upper end of the jaw 238 by a pin 256. A limit switch (one oflimit switches LS-7 through LS-IO) is associated with each of the sheetmetal clamps 236 and is adapted to be operated by an adjustable screw258 carried by tie upper jaw 238.

From the construction of the sheet metal clamps 236 hereinbeforedescribed, it can be seen that the pivot point (pin 247) for the upperjaw is very close to the gripping nose for the jaw so that there is agreat multiplication of the force which is applied by the pneumaticactuator 250. It also will be noted that because of the manner in whichthe upper and lower jaws are mounted, the jaws can float up and downslightly to match any position required by the plate while it is beingpunched as hereinafter described. However, it will be noted that thejaws 237 and 238 are restrained against back and forth movement as wellas lateral movement so that the plate will be held in a very preciseposition while it is being punched.

Means is provided for controlling the pneumatic actuators 250 andconsists of a solenoid operated valve 261 which includes solenoids SOLand SOL-6. This solenoid operated valve is connected by piping 262 to alubricator 263. This lubricator is connected to a regulator 264 and theregulator is connected to the piping 177. A gauge 266 is associated withthe regulator 264 to determine the pressure being applied to thesolenoid operated valve 261, The regulator makes it possible to adjustthe pressure so that the clamps 236 will not bite into or mar the sheet281 held by the clamps 236. The solenoid operated valve 261 is connectedto an air distributor 267 by a line 268. The distributor 267 isconnected to one of the sheet metal clamps by line 269. The distributor267 is connected to another distributor 271 by a line 272. Thedistributor 271 is connected to the other sheet metal clamps by lines173 and 274 as shown.

A resilient wiper 278 is secured to the carriage block 118 by anL-shaped member 279 and cap screws 280 and serves to keep the base platesection 316 free of debris for travel of the rollers 120.

A limit switch LS-6 is mounted on the frame 12 by a bracket 291. Anactivating member 292 is mounted on the ram 23 and operates the limitswitch on the upstroke of the ram.

Means is provided for properly positioning the sheet 281 before it isengaged by the clamps 236 and consists of a pair of adjustable pins 286mounted in the block 118 and adapted to be engaged by the rear edge ofthe sheet 281. It also consists of a stop 287 secured to the side of 8the block 118 by a cap screw 288. This stop is adapted to be engaged byone side edge of the sheet 281.

Operation and use of my automatic progressive multihole punch may now bebriefly described in conjunction with the circuit diagram which is shownin FIGURE 11. As shown in the circuit diagram, in addition to the limitswitches LS-1 through LS10 and solenoids SOL-1 through SOL-6, my punchincludes a start pushbutton, a close pushbutton, an open pushbutton andcontrol relays CR4, CR-5 and CR-6.

Now let it be assumed that my multi-hole progressive punch is in theposition shown in FIGURES 1 and 2. The sheet of metal 281 which is to bepunched is placed in the sheet metal clamps 236 and then the closepushbutton is operated. Closing of the upper set of contacts of theclose pushbutton energizes the solenoid SOL-5 which supplies air to thehydraulic actuators 250 to advance the plungers or rods 254 to move theforward end of the upper jaw 238 into engagement with the sheet 281. Allof the sheet metal clamps 236 will be closed more or less simultaneouslyto firmly grip the sheet of material along one edge so that the sheet issupported in a cantilevered manner between the die shoe 37 and the punchholder 51.

As soon as these sheet metal clamps are closed, the limit switches LS-7,LS-8, LS9 and LS-10 are closed to light a lamp 282 to indicate that allof the sheet metal clamps have operated. It is readily apparent that ifone of the sheet metal clamps fails to operate, one of its limitswitches LS-7, LS8, LS-9 and LS-l!) will remain open to prevent lightingof the lamp 282.

Operation of the close pushbutton also closes its lower contacts whichenergize the relay CR-S if the limit switch LS-4 is closed as it is whenthe appaartus is in the position shown in FIGURES 1 and 2 with theroller 193 riding upon the cam surface 194-. As hereinafter explained,operation of the relay CR-S causes the sheet metal carriage 111 totravel in one direction, whereas when the control relay CR-S is notenergized, the sheet metal carriage will travel in an oppositedirection.

After the lamp 282 has been lit, the start pushbutton can be operated.Closing of the upper contacts of the start pushbutton energizes relayCR-6. Energization of the relay CR-6 closes its contacts CR-6A toestablish a holding circuit for the relay CR6 and to permit the startpushbutton to be released. It will be noted from the circuit diagramthat this holding circuit for relay CR-6 is completed through limitswitch LS5. Limit switch LS-S is normally closed and is not operatedwhen the cam members 212 and 213 are in engagement with the pin 217.Closing of the contacts CR-6B of relay CR-6 establishes a circuit forenergization of the relay CR-4. As soon as CR-4 is energized, a holdingcircuit is established for relay CR-5 through contacts CR-4A and CR-SJ.

Energization of the relay CR-4 causes energization of the clutch circuitin the press to cause reciprocation of the ram 23. As the ram 23 movesdownwardly, the adapter plate 141 engages the template plate 131 andmoves the template plate 131 together with the template 133 carriedthereby which are pressed downwardly against the force of springs 136into engagement with the tops of the punches. Where holes 134 are notprovided in the template 133, the punches are pressed downwardly.Continued downward movement of the ram causes the flanged portions 66?)of the punches 6d to engage the upper bearing plate and also causes thefiller plates 142 and 143 to engage the punch holder 51 to move thepunch holder downwardly against the force of the springs 61. Continueddownward movement of the ram 23 and the punch holder 51 causes the punchholder by means of the springs 76 to urge stripper plate 73 downwardlyso that the stripper plate insert 36 engages the sheet metal. Thereafter, continued downward movement of the ram causes the punches topunch perforations into the metal and to 9 push the punched-out portionsthrough the holes 94 so that they can drop through the base plate 96into a suitable receptacle (not shown).

After the punching stroke has been completed as hereinbefore described,the ram is gradually raised to permit the punch holder to be urgedupwardly by the springs 61. While the punch holder 51 is being urgedupwardly, the springs 76 are urging the stripper plate 73 downwardlyaway from the punch holder so as to strip the sheet from the punches 66.As the punch holder 51 is being raised, the bars 161 and 1192 ensurethat all of the punches 66 will be lowered out of engagement with thetemplate so that the template can be shifted as hereinafter described.

As the ram 23 is being raised, the limit switch LS-6 is operated toclose the circuit for the energization of solenoid SOL-1 through thecontacts CR-SC. Energization of the solenoid SOL1 in the solenoidoperated valve 166 causes the application of fluid to the actuator 164to extend the rack 157 and to drive the pinion 154 in a clockwisedirection as viewed in FIGURE 2. Movement of the pinion 154 in aclockwise direction causes the push rod 149 to be urged to the right asviewed in FIGURES 2 and 12. Urging of the push rod to the right urgesthe rack 146 together with the sheet metal carrier 111 and the templatecarrier 112 to the right.

It should be noted that the cam portion 154a provided on the pinion 154and the associated drive mechanism is such that there is a slow startand a slow stop with relatively fast travel in between so that shockforces to the apparatus are minimized. A positive stopped positionwithout rebound is obtained.

As soon as the drive rack 157 has been extended to its full length, thelimit switch LS1 is operated to energize the solenoid SOL-3 through thecontacts CR-SH. Energization of the solenoid SOL-3 in the solenoidactuated valve 186 causes the application of fluid to the acutator 164to retract the toothed rack-engaging member 148 out of engagement withthe rack 146. Retraction of the toothed rack-engaging member 148 causesoperation of the limit switch LS-3. Operation of the limit switch LS-3energizes solenoid SOL-2 through contacts CR-SA. Energization of thesolenoid SOL-2 of the solenoid operated valve 166 causes fluid to beapplied to the actuator 164 to retract the rack 157. Retraction of therack 157 rotates the pinion 154 in a counter-clockwise direction to movethe push rod 149 to the left as viewed in FIG- URE 2.

When the rack 157 is completely retracted, the limit witch LS-2 isoperated. Closing of limit switch LS2 energizes solenoid SOL-3 throughcontacts CR-SF. Energization of solenoid SOL-3 causes the valve 186 toapply fluid to the actuator 184 to extend the toothed rackcngagingmember 148 into engagement with the rack 146.

The sheet of metal is now ready to have another set of holes to bepunched into it. The ram 23 continues to reciprocate continuously andthe sheet metal is advanced a step each time after the holes arepunched. From the operation described, it can be seen that the sheetmetal is advanced every time after the limit switch LS6 is operated bythe ram. Also, it will be noted that the toothed rack-engaging member148 is in engagement with the rack 146 during the time that the holesare being punched in the sheet metal. When the toothed rack-engagingmember 148 is out of engagement with the rack 146, the sheet metalcarrier 111 and template carrier 112 are held in position by the detentmechanisms including the rollers 224 which engage the rack teeth 1462:.

Thus, it can be seen that the sheet of metal will be progressivelystepped along and that holes will be punched into the sheet inaccordance with the pattern in the template. This continues until all ofthe holes have been punched into the sheet.

It should be pointed out that as soon as the rack 146 is advanced for asubstantial distance, the cam members 212 and 213 no longer engage thepin 217, and for that reason the limit switch LS-5 is operated to openthe holding circuit for the relay (IR-6. However, the limit switch isprovided with a make-before-break contact which, when it is opened,establishes a circuit for maintaining energization of the control relayCR-4. It should be pointed out that the pins 217 and 218 are mounted ina rack 146 to determine the beginning and the end of the perforations orholes in the sheet of metal. When the cam members 212 and 213 come intoengagement with the member 218, the limit switch LS-S is again operatedto close its normally closed contacts and to open the circuit formaintaining energization of the relay CR-4. Deenergization of the relayCR-4 denergizes the clutch of the press to stop the press. Thissignifies that the plate or sheet 281 has been progressively steppedthrough the press and that all of the holes have been punched into thesheet. The sheet is then removed by operating the open pushbutton toopen the holding circuit for the relay CR-5 through its upper set ofcontacts. The lower set of contacts of the open pushbutton establishes acircuit for energization of the solenoid SOL-6 through the normallyclosed contacts CR-4A of the relay CR-4. Energization of the solenoidSOL-6 causes the actuator 261 to supply fluid to the actuators 236 toopen the sheet metal clamps and to release the sheet of metal.

Another sheet of metal can then be placed in the sheet metal clamps andclamped into place by operating the close pushbutton. Closing of theupper contacts of the close pushbutton will again energize the solenoidSOL-5 to close the sheet metal clamps in the same manner as hereinbeforedescribed. However, operation of the close pushbutton will not energizethe relay CR-S because the limit switch LS-4 is not closed with the rack146 in this position.

Since relay CR5 is not operated, the rack 146 will be moved in anopposite direction. This is true because after the start pushbutton hasbeen operated and limit switch LS-6 has been operated by the ram 23, theclosing of limit switch LS-6 will cause energization of the solenoidSOL-2 through the normally closed contacts CR-SD which will cause therack 157 to be retracted rather than extended which, in turn, will causethe limit switch LS-2 to be operated to energize the solenoid SOL4 tocause the rack-engaging member 148 to be extended rather than retracted.Thus, movement of the rack continues in the opposite direction until thelimit switch LS-5 engages the pin 217 to again deenergize the relay CR-4and to place the punch in the position in which it started.

From the foregoing, it can be seen that sheets of metal can be punchedin both directions of travel of the sheet metal carriage and thetemplate carrier. Thus, an operator can place a sheet in the sheet metalclamps on one side of the punch, then start the punch in operation toautomatically punch a complete set of holes in the sheet. The sheet canthen be removed on the other side of the punch and a new sheet placed inthe punch and the punch again placed in operation to automatically punchanother set of holes in the sheet while the sheet metal carriage istravelling in an opposite direction.

In FIGURES 12A through 12E, I have shown the manner in which myautomaitc progressive multi-hole punch can place a symmetricalarrangement of holes within a sheet of metal. From these figures, it canbe seen that the punches 66 are positioned so that in any one individualrow of punchings, the punches are spaced three-hole spacings apart.However, the sheet metal 281 is advanced two-hole spacings each time itis advanced. This arrangement is used in order to obtain the maximumpunch spacing and still make it possible to punch all the holes requiredin the sheet.

In FIGURES 12A-12E, the template 133 is shown as a relatively smalltemplate and is shown in five cyclic positions as it progresses over thepunches 66 carried by the punch holder 51. The punches 66 which aredepressed are shown in solid black, and similarly the holes which are tobe punched into the sheet 281 are shown as solid black circles. Thus, itcan be seen in the first position of the template 133 and the sheet 281,two rows of holes are punched into the sheet 281. In FIGURE 12B, thetemplate 133 and the sheet 281 have been advanced two hole spacings sothat three rows of punches are depressed. The holes which have beenpunched in the step shown in FIGURE 12A are shown as circles, whereasthe holes to be punched in the step shown in FIGURE 12B are shown insolid black circles. It will be noted that the scalloped leading edge134 provided on the template 133 makes it possible for the template 133to clear the next row of punches 66 as shown particularly in FIGURE 12B.

In FIGURES 12C and 12D, the template 133 and the sheet 281 aresuccessively advanced two hole spacings and additional rows of holes areplaced into the sheet 281. In the step shown in FIGURE 12E, the last rowof holes is punched into the sheet 281 to provide a complete pattern ofholes. This pattern of holes has the same size as the template 133.Again, it will be noted that the scalloped trailing edge 134 of thetemplate 133 permits the template to miss a row of punches as shown inFIGURE 12E.

It can be seen that by punching in this manner, the incompletely punchedleft-hand portion of the sheet 281 is punched so that the entire area tobe perforated in the sheet 281 is completely perforated. No rows ofperforations have been omitted. It can be seen that the same sequence ofsteps will occur when the sheet 281 and the template 133 are moved tothe left rather than to the right and that the last row of holes ispunched in the right-hand margin of the sheet 281 in a manner similar tothat shown in FIGURE 12E.

It is apparent from the foregoing that I have provided a new andimproved multi-hole progressive punch which has many unique features.The arrangement of the punch is such that the template and the sheet ofmetal to be punched is cantilevered over and under the punch holder. Thepunch holder is mounted for vertical movement with the ram of the press.The carriage which is utilized for carrying the sheet metal and thetemplate is retained in a rigid, precise position during the punchingoperation and also during the time it is being shifted. The drivemechanism for the template carrier and the sheet metal carriage isparticularly novel in that it starts and stops slowly so as to minimizethe shock forces applied to the machine and thereby ensures precisestopped positioning. Because of the particular arrangement of the sheetmetal clamps, it is readily apparent that a sheet of any length can bepunched merely by progressively positioning the sheet metal in the sheetmetal clamps. Also, sheets of metal of extreme widths can be punchedmerely by shifting the rear base plate section 31b rearwardly from thefront section 31a. The width which can be run is, therefore, onlylimited by the size of the punch holder.

I claim:

1. In a punch for punching perforations in a sheet of material, astationary die shoe, a punch holder, means for mounting the punch holderon the die shoe to permit vertical reciprocatory movement of the punchholder with respect to the die shoe, a plurality of punches mounted inthe punch holder for vertical reciprocatory movement with respect to thepunch holder, a stripper plate, means for mounting the stripper plate onthe punch holder and permitting relative movement between the stripperplate and the punch holder, the stripper plate and the die shoe havingholes therein in alignment with the punches and adapted to receive thepunches, a sheet metal carriage, the sheet metal carriage being adaptedto support a sheet of metal between the die shoe and the stripper plate,a template, means for supporting the template on the carriage in a fixedlateral position but permitting vertical reciprocatory movement of thetemplate with respect to the carriage, means for moving the templateinto engagement with selected punches to move the template, the punchesand the punch holder towards the die shoe and to press the selectedpunches through the stripper plate, the sheet of material and into thedie shoe, and means for automatically advancing the carriage in adirection at right angles to the axes of the punches as the means formoving the template is operated.

2. A punch as in claim 1 wherein the template is cantilevered and inwhich the sheet of material is cantilevered.

3. A punch as in claim 1 wherein the means for advancing the carriagecauses the carriage to travel in one direction and then to travel in anopposite direction and in which the carriage is constructed so that asheet of material can be inserted in the carriage after completion oftravel in either direction so that a sheet of material can be punched asthe carriage travels in either direction.

4. A punch as in claim 1 wherein the means for moving the carriageincludes a rack secured to the carriage, a rack-engaging member, meansfor moving the rackengaging member into and out of engagement with therack, and means for moving the rack-engaging member in a directionsubstantially parallel to the rack.

5. A punch as in claim 4 wherein said means for moving the rack-engagingmember in a direction substantially parallel to the rack consists of aneccentric, a pinion secured to the eccentric, and a rack for driving theeccentric.

6. A punch as in claim 4 together with detent means for retaining thecarriage in a desired position while the rack-engaging member is out ofengagement with the rack.

7. A punch as in claim 4 wherein the carriage for the sheet of materialis movable rearwardly away from the punches to permit the punching ofwider sheets of material.

8. In a punch for punching perforations in a sheet of material, a dieshoe, a punch holder disposed above the die shoe, means mounting thepunch holder for substantially vertical reciprocatory movement withrespect to the die shoe, means yieldably urging the punch holder out ofengagement with the die shoe, a stripper plate disposed above the dieshoe, means mounting the stripper plate on the punch holder to permitsubstantially vertical reciprocatory movement of the stripper plate withrespect to the punch holder, means yieldably urging the stripper plateout of engagement with the punch holder, a plurality of punches mountedin the punch holder, the stripper plate and the die shoe having holestherein aligned with the punches in the punch holder, a templateoverlying and normally spaced from the punch holder and the puncheswithin the punch holder, a carriage for the sheet of material forholding the sheet of material in a position between the stripper plateand the die shoe, means for mounting the template on the carriage topermit substantially vertical reciprocatory movement of the template,means yieldably urging the template upwardly away from the carriage,means for moving the template into engagement with the punches to movethe punch holder downwardly so that the punches engage the sheet ofmaterial and punch holes in the sheet of material, and means foradvancing the carriage to advance the sheet of material and the templatecarried thereby in a direction at right angles to the axes of thepunches each time after holes have been punched into the sheet ofmaterial.

9. A punch as in claim 8 wherein the template is cantilevered over thepunches and wherein the sheet of material is cantilevered between thedie shoe and the stripper plate.

10. A punch as in claim 8 together with a plurality of clamps mounted onsaid carriage, and means for sensing when one of the clamps is notoperated.

11. A punch as in claim 9 together with circuit means for operating themeans for advancing the carriage automatically as the template is raisedand lowered.

12. A punch as in claim 9 wherein the means for advancing the carriageconsists of a rack, a rack engaging member, means for moving the rackengaging member into and out of engagement with the rack, means formoving the rack engaging member in a direction parallel to thelongitudinal axis of the rack, and circuit means controlling theengagement of said rack engaging member with the rack and thelongitudinal movement of the rack engaging member so that, the rack isperiodically advanced in one direction for a predetermined distance andthen periodically retracted in an opposite direction for a predetermineddistance.

13. A punch as in claim 12 together with limit means for preventing thetravel of the carriage beyond predetermined positions.

14. A punch as in claim 8 wherein the punches in the punch holder arespaced three hole spacings apart and wherein the means for advancing thetemplate and the sheet of material advances the same step by step witheach advance being equal to two hole spacings.

15. A punch as in claim 8 wherein the punches in the punch holder arespaced three hole spacings apart and wherein the means for advancing thecarriage is advanced step by step with each advance being equal to twohole spacings.

16. In a punch for punching perforations in a sheet of material, a punchholder disposed on one side of the sheet of material, a plurality ofpunches mounted in the punch holder for selective movement with respectto the punch holder, a stripper plate disposed between the punch holderand the sheet of material, a stripper plate having a holder in alignmentwith each of the punches in the punch holder, means for mounting saidpunch holder and said stripper plate to permit relative movement betweenthe stripper plate and the punch holder, a die shoe disposed on theother side of the sheet of material and having holes therein inalignment with said punches and said holes in said stripper plate, atemplate disposed adjacent the punch holder on the side opposite theside on which the stripper plate is mounted, means for supporting thetemplate so that it is normally spaced from the punches in the punchholder between the punches in the punch holder and the template wherebyselected punches pass through the stripper plate, the sheet of materialand into the holes in the die shoe, and means for causing automaticprogressive step-bystep advancement of the template and the sheet ofmaterial at right angles to the axes of the punches so as to placedifferent portions of the sheet of material in alignment with selectedpunches.

17. A punch as in claim 16 wherein said means for mounting saidtemplate, said punch holder and said stripper plate are formed so thatsaid template, said punch holder and said stripper plate arecantilevered over said sheet of material.

18. A punch as in claim 16 wherein the means for progressively advancingthe template and the sheet of material includes a rack, a rack engagingmember, means moving the rack engaging member into and out of engagementwith the rack, means moving the rack engaging member in a directionparallel to the longitudinal axis of the rack, and circuit meanscontrolling the engagement of said rack engaging member with the rackand the longitudinal movement of the rack engaging member so that therack is periodically advanced in one direction for a predetermineddistance and then periodically retracted in an opposite direction for apredetermined distance.

19. A punch as in claim 18 wherein the means for moving the rackengaging member in a direction substantially parallel to the rackconsists of an eccentric, a pinion secured to the eccentric and a rackfor driving the eccentric.

20. A punch as in claim 19 together with detent means for retaining thecarriage in a desired position while the rack engaging member is out ofengagement with the rack.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS2,701,017 Wiedemann Feb. 1, 1955 2,866,366 Hadley Dec. 30, 19583,024,077 Harwood et a1 Mar. 6, 1962

1. IN A PUNCH FOR PUNCHING PERFORATIONS IN A SHEET OF MATERIAL, ASTATIONARY DIE SHOE, A PUNCH HOLDER, MEANS FOR MOUNTING THE PUNCH HOLDERON THE DIE SHOE TO PERMIT VERTICAL RECIPROCATORY MOVEMENT OF THE PUNCHHOLDER WITH RESPECT TO THE DIE SHOE, A PLURALITY OF PUNCHES MOUNTED INTHE PUNCH HOLDER FOR VERTICAL RECIPROCATORY MOVEMENT WITH RESPECT TO THEPUNCH HOLDER, A STRIPPER PLATE, MEANS FOR MOUNTING THE STRIPPER PLATE ONTHE PUNCH HOLDER AND PERMITTING RELATIVE MOVEMENT BETWEEN THE STRIPPERPLATE AND THE PUNCH HOLDER, THE STRIPPER PLATE AND THE DIE SHOE HAVINGHOLES THEREIN IN ALIGNMENT WITH THE PUNCHES AND ADAPTED TO RECEIVE THEPUNCHES, A SHEET METAL CARRIAGE, THE SHEET METAL CARRIAGE BEING ADAPTEDTO SUPPORT A SHEET OF METAL BETWEEN THE DIE SHOE AND THE STRIPPER PLATE,A TEMPLATE, MEANS FOR SUPPORTING THE TEMPLATE ON THE CARRIAGE IN A FIXEDLATERAL POSITION BUT PERMITTING VERTICAL RECIPROCATORY MOVEMENT OF THETEMPLATE WITH RESPECT TO THE CARRIAGE, MEANS FOR MOVING THE TEMPLATEINTO ENGAGEMENT WITH SELECTED PUNCHES TO MOVE THE TEM-